A woman got engaged to a man she met on TikTok, who lives 4,000 miles away; despite being mocked.
A British woman recently engaged to a man she met on TikTok is pushing back against critics.
Lucy Downes, 29, claims that her fiancé is not after her for a green card.
The NHS administrator from Nuneaton began using TikTok for fun after ending a nine-year relationship.
Through her live streams, she connected with Glenny Phillip, 34, from Saint Kitts in the Caribbean.
A couple’s unexpected connection through WhatsApp chats
Lucy and Glenny’s bond grew through WhatsApp chats, despite their long-distance relationship.
After a year of saving money and selling her house, they finally met in person.
Glenny spent six months in the UK, where he met Lucy’s two children: a nine-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter.
Following this, Lucy traveled to Saint Kitts for two weeks, during which Glenny proposed.
The woman and her boyfriend faced doubts and criticism
Despite their love story, Lucy faces skepticism from social media users.
Many have accused Glenny of only wanting a spousal visa.
Lucy clarified, “They don’t know our life.” In the UK, a green card is not applicable, but Lucy understands the online implications of a spousal visa.
Initially, people doubted their relationship, suggesting that Glenny would leave her.
Glenny, currently unemployed, expressed gratitude for their unwavering commitment.
He said, “I was just glad we didn’t give up on each other.”
Lucy first noticed Glenny while discussing her past relationship on TikTok.
He frequently joined her live streams, offering encouragement.
Glenny admitted, “I almost deleted my account when I came across her.” However, he was captivated by her soft-spoken nature.
Their emotional connection blossomed, even amid challenging living situations.
The couple communicated constantly through late-night calls. Lucy lived with her ex-partner, while Glenny had no fixed address.
They finally met in March 2023, over a year after connecting on social media.
Lucy described the airport meeting: “I was so nervous.” Glenny remarked, “You’re so short,” which broke the ice.
After their initial meeting, Glenny spent six months in the UK before introducing Lucy to his family in Saint Kitts.
During a dinner outing, surrounded by friends with roses and love hearts, Glenny proposed.
Lucy recalled, “All of a sudden, all his friends came in.” The couple faced another ten-month separation while Glenny applied for his fiancé visa.
The couple plans for the future despite the criticism they face
They reunited in August 2024 and are excitedly planning their wedding for November.
Lucy expressed her commitment, stating, “He can’t go back home. My kids are so close to him.”
After marriage, they intend to apply for Glenny’s spousal visa, which comes with a £5,000 fee.
Lucy’s family and friends were initially skeptical about her relationship with Glenny.
Her father cautioned her, saying, “You don’t know who he is.”
However, after meeting Glenny, their opinions changed. Lucy confidently stated, “We proved them wrong—we know what we want.”
Lucy and Glenny’s relationship illustrates the power of love overcoming distance and skepticism.
They have faced numerous challenges together but remain committed to their future.
With their wedding approaching, the couple is excited to start a new chapter in their lives, solidifying their bond despite the criticism they face.